IRCC Introduces New Application Tracker for Applicants
The IRCC has announced the expansion of online application status trackers for Express Entry and PNP candidates.
The IRCC has announced the expansion of online application status trackers for Express Entry and PNP candidates.
The application status trackers are for Express Entry candidates in the Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSW), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). It will also extend to candidates in Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).
Access to application status trackers will allow for applicants to be better informed of any actions they need to keep their file moving. It will also increase transparency by providing clients direct access to the same information that the IRCC has.
Online application status trackers were first launched in May 2021 first for citizenship applications, and then in February 2022 for some sponsorship applications. This most recent update follows the IRCC’s commitment to digitising and modernising the application process. It also allows for more transparency as to wait and processing times following the large and persistent backlog of applications. Last year, the IRCC launched a new page dedicated to tracking immigration backlogs and getting regular updates about what is being done to address the backlog issues.track immigration backlogs and get regular updates about what is being done to address the backlog issues.
The IRCC is committed to building an immigration system that works well for newcomers, visitors, our businesses and all Canadians. We know there is still more work to do, and we appreciate the patience of all clients as we continue our digital transformation
Continued Modernization of Online Platforms
The IRCC has pledged $85 million in support provided by the Economic and Fiscal Update 2021 to update technology, among other areas. The amount is being used to develop a “secure, stable, and flexible enterprise-wide digital platform that protects people’s information will improve application processing and help Canada remain a destination of choice.”
The government has said that they are looking to automate certain tasks such as sorting applications, to give employees more time to work on cases and make final decisions. The IRCC has stated that they are “using technology to support, assist and inform IRCC decision-makers, not to replace them”.
The new systems will be a tool to screen applications for eligibility and more complex cases. However, in both circumstances, the system will send the application to an officer after screening the application. The systems will never refuse or recommend refusing applications. If an application has been refused, it was an officer who made that decision.
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